'For the first time in Canadian Sikh history, the prime minister, the leader of the official opposition and the leader of the New Democratic Party will attend a reception on Parliament Hill to celebrate 306th anniversary of Waisakhi - the founding of the Sikh faith,' according to Bhupinder Singh Liddar, chair of the organizing committee. The Bloc Québécois leader is also expected to attend pending a formal confirmation.

Prime Minister Paul Martin, Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper and New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton will speak at the reception. Apart from the political party leaders, a large number of Members of Parliament, Senators, ambassadors, prominent Canadians, members of the press, representatives of other faith communities as well as many Canadian Sikhs are expected to attend. Canadian Sikh M.P.s - Navdeep Singh Bains, Ruby Dhalla, Gurmant Singh Grewal, Ms. Nina Kaur Grewal and Gurbax Singh Malhi - have also confirmed their attendance. Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh will be traveling in India at the time. Gurdwaras from across Canada are being urged to send representatives to this historic event.

The buffet-dinner reception is scheduled to be held on Thursday, April 7, 2005 in Room 200 West Block, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Canadian Sikh community is being urged to cover the cost of the event through donations.

The reception is being held in the largest room on Parliament Hill to accommodate the many guests who are expected to attend. It will allow an opportunity for Canadian Sikhs to better acquaint guests with the significance of Waisakhi and the Sikh faith.